The story of a pregnancy does not begin with conception. It often starts months or even years before, when the parent or parents decide they would like to start a family. Let’s go back to the beginning to talk about the time before you become pregnant.
Becoming pregnant comes easily for some people. They talk about it casually, idly speculating about how it would feel to have a baby and the next thing they know, they’re pregnant! For others, it is a long and difficult journey, fraught with disappointment and hope, waiting and hurrying, decisions and hesitations.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, make sure you access all the resources available. Talk to your health-care provider, of course, but also reach out to folks who have been down the trying-to-conceive road before you. You are not the only one in this situation. The Elements of Health Centre in Victoria offers a great online course.
If you are planning a pregnancy sometime in the next year, consider the actions below. Remember that no one can do all these things. Choose the ones that make sense to you and that you think will make the most difference for your family.
Note that all the tasks below are just as important for the non-childbearing parent to undertake. The health of a child is affected by the health of the whole family, not just the childbearing parent.
• Learn about your menstrual cycle and become aware of when you ovulate.
• See your doctor or midwife for a pre-conception check-up.
• Discuss any prescription medications you are taking and consider replacing them with ones that are safe for pregnancy, if possible.
• Discuss any concerns you may have about genetic conditions in your family. Consider genetic testing or counselling.
• Talk about taking folic acid, vitamin D and calcium.
• Have your iron levels checked.
• Update your vaccinations—Mumps, measles and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus, if you’re due for a booster.
• See your dentist for a cleaning and a check-up. Make sure your teeth are healthy, it affects your general health.
• Stop smoking, drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs if you do.
• Evaluate your exposure to environmental toxins in your workplace or your home and reduce it as much as possible.
• Improve your nutrition by eating nutrient-dense foods, emphasizing whole grains, vegetables and fruit, lean protein and high-quality fats.
• Limit your intake of salt and caffeine.
• Be physically active on a regular basis. Start or continue a physical activity you can pursue during your pregnancy (yoga, swimming, hiking).
It is also important to take part in things that will keep your mind busy as you wait to get pregnant.
• Talk, talk, talk with your partner about your plans as co-parents. This is a good time to work on your relationship and make it as strong and harmonious as possible.
• Do some reading or online research about babies, breast/chestfeeding, child development.
• Find out about parental leave and what your employer provides for.
• Think about your finances. Talk to a financial advisor.
• Make a will.
• If you are planning any renovations, or a move, try to do them now. They are easier to do when you are not pregnant or hauling a baby around!
• Have some spontaneous fun! Go on a short (or a long) trip. Dash out to a movie or a night out with friends and enjoy each other.
